Introduction to the EYFS Development Matters Introduction to the EYFS

Aims To get to know each other as a group. To become familiar with the overarching principles of the EYFS, To look more closely at the structure of the Development Matters Guidance. Understand the statutory requirements for the early years.

Documentation https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/eyfs-statutory-framework/ http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2012/03/Development-Matters-FINAL-PRINT-AMENDED.pdf

Development Matters Comprises of 2 elements Statutory framework Non-Statutory Guidance to download www.foundationyears.org.uk

The EYFS Framework specifies requirements for learning and development and for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The learning and development requirements cover: the areas of learning and development which must shape activities and experiences (educational programs) for children in all early years settings; the early learning goals that providers must help children work towards (the knowledge, skills and understanding children should have at the end of the academic year in which they turn five); and assessment arrangements for measuring progress (and requirements for reporting to parents and/or carers). The safeguarding and welfare requirements cover the steps that providers must take to keep children safe and promote their welfare.

It replaces and is significantly different to the 2008 framework. The revised Early Years Foundation stage framework became statutory in September 2012 This means it must be delivered by maintained schools, no-maintained schools, independent schools and all providers on the Early Years Register in England - This includes childminders, children's centres, pre-school and nurseries. It replaces and is significantly different to the 2008 framework.

The EYFS Statutory Framework Department for Education published a revised version of this on 3rd March 2017. Changes became statutory on 3rd April 2017. The amendments made bring the framework up to date with safeguarding, wording to around medications, qualification levels clarifications. There is greater explanation and emphasis on physical activities with a link to the Chief Medical Office for guidance.

Learning and development reforms Instead of 6 areas of development there are now 3 prime areas Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) Physical Communication and Language (listening and attention, understanding and speaking) and 4 specific areas Literacy (reading and writing) Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive Arts and Design Instead of 69 goals there are just 17 to be assessed!

Welfare Reforms These have been renamed the safeguarding and welfare requirements. They include clarification on staff:child ratios and procedures regarding the use of mobile phones and cameras in settings. It is a requirement for each child to have a key worker.

Development Matters The Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation stage guidance is a non-statutory guide to support practitioners. It covers detailed development charts covering children's learning from birth to 5 years and ideas on how to support learning. It refers to the four guiding principles and the 3 characteristics of effective learning.

The EYFS states 4 guiding principles should shape practice The labels for the 4 principles are called themes: A Unique child Positive relationships Enabling Environments Learning and Development

Activity In each envelope there are cut out statements and the four themes. Working as a group can you arrange the statements under a theme heading.

note enabling environments is not just about physical environments but also the ethos of the setting; the practitioner understanding of how children learn; and understanding of equality and diversity.

Activity Watch the following clip and look for and note evidence of the 4 themes A Unique Child Positive Relationships Enabling Environments Learning and Development

How are the characteristics of effective learning and the themes linked?

For each area of learning the framework sets out early learning goals For each area of learning the framework sets out early learning goals. These set out the level of progress children should be expected to have attained by the end of the EYFS. The purpose of the provision is to enable children to meet the ELG's. Take time to find, read and become familiar with the ELG's. Formative/ongoing assessment is integral to children’s learning and development. The summative assessment at the end of the EYFS is called the EYFS profile. Children are assessed against each of the 17 EGL’s as to whether their progress is emerging, expected or exceeding. This information is then passed onto the LA. Parent’s are informed of their child’s progress against the ELG’s alongside a written report focusing on the characteristics of learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept health and safe. It promotes teaching and leaning to ensure children's 'school readiness' and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. Discuss : What is school readiness?

'What really matters is making sure a child is able to start school ready to learn, able to make friends and play, ready to ask for what they need and say what they think. These are critical foundations for really getting the best out of school.' Sarah Teather, Minister for children (2010/2012)